Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• Presidential elections took place on 26 January 2010. There were numerous reports of politically-motivated violence ahead of the elections and it is possible that violence will continue in the days following the election.  A number of opposition parties have planned a mass political rally for Wednesday 3rd February at Hyde Park, Colombo. British nationals should avoid any political gathering or rally and be wary of spontaneous large gatherings.  See the Political Situation section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to the northern districts of Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaittivu and Vavuniya
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka.  Although the LTTE or “Tamil Tigers” suffered a military defeat in May 2009, the Government maintains its State of Emergency, under which it has extensive anti-terrorism powers and increased security measures including checkpoints and a highly visible military presence remain throughout the country.   Isolated attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate. Foreign tourists and visitors have not been targeted in the past but attacks have occurred in places frequented by foreigners. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Although the conflict is over, extensive military operations are still ongoing, clearing minefields, unexploded ordnance and locating LTTE weapon caches (hides).  The security forces are also involved in the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs).  Always obey orders from the security forces or signs warning about the danger from land-mines.  Do not venture from the roads or cleared footpaths and if in any doubt, contact the local security authorities for local advice.
  
  
• The majority of visits are incident free, although there are an increasing number of incidents of credit card fraud, road accidents and drownings.  You should wear a seatbelt when travelling by road and use credit or debit cards only in reputable establishments (e.g. major hotels).  Many beaches in Sri Lanka have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of the year, always take local advice before entering  the sea.  A number of tropical diseases are also prevalent, including dengue fever, Chikungunya and rat fever (Leptospirosis). Cases of dengue fever in particular have risen sharply in recent months.
  
  
• About 94,000 British nationals visit Sri Lanka each year (source: Sri Lanka tourism board). 54 British nationals required consular assistance in Sri Lanka in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths including drownings (10 cases); hospitalisations (9 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (12 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (40 cases).
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  See the General (Insurance) page of this Travel Advice .  We also recommend that British nationals resident and/or working in Sri Lanka, or visiting for over one month, should register with the British High Commission in Colombo. 

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriate and foreign travellers.  For more general information see our “Terrorism Abroad” page.

The conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, commonly known as “the Tamil Tigers”) ended in May 2009.Although the conflict is over, the LTTE are believed to retain some capability to mount terrorist attacks such as grenade or explosive device attacks and shootings.  The Government has extended the State of Emergency, under which it has extensive anti-terrorism powers and heightened levels of security (e.g. checkpoints, road blocks) that are likely to be maintained for the foreseeable future.   You should exercise a high level of vigilance.  The risk for the most part is one of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. In order to minimise this, you should avoid military, government and paramilitary locations. Always carry formal photographic identification with you.  Stop and show your ID when asked to do so. If you are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission.

Fatal attacks linked to the LTTE occurred throughout the country into 2009.Most attacks have been directed against Government and military targets though a number have been focussed on civilian targets such as crowded public places, public transport and market areas. Some of the most significant attacks included a suicide bomb at a political gathering in March 2009 and an air raid on military targets in Colombo in February 2009.

Crime

Credit card fraud is the most common type of crime affecting visitors. It is advisable to use cash wherever possible and to use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels. Do not let your credit card leave your sight when you use it. Some travellers experience problems using their credit / debit cards on arrival in Sri Lanka when their banks’ automated fraud protection system blocks transactions. It may be useful to inform your bank in advance of your intended travel arrangements. If your card is blocked, you will need to contact your bank to re-activate it. There are plenty of money-changers in tourist areas if you want to change cash.

Violent crimes against foreigners are relatively infrequent, although there have been reports of sexual offences and muggings.  When travelling around Sri Lanka, you should make arrangements through reputable travel companies (such as those identified in your guidebook or local listings information) and exercise appropriate caution.  Women should take particular care when travelling alone and carry personal alarms. For more general information see our Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad page.

There has been an increase in the number of reported thefts from hotels and guesthouses.  You should take precautions to safeguard your valuables, especially passports and money. 

For more general information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Political Situation

Presidential elections took place on 26 January 2010. Sri Lankan Election Observers reported over 800 incidents of politically-motivated violence ahead of the elections.  It is possible that violence will continue and in the days immediately after the election. The majority of pre-election incidents were concentrated in the south and west, but serious incidents have also been reported in the Eastern Province and in Polonnaruwa district (north-central Sri Lanka).  Incidents included violent clashes, resulting in a number of deaths, and attacks on property.  Some of the violent incidents have followed impromptu demonstrations or protest marches.  British nationals should avoid any political gathering or rally and be wary of spontaneous large gatherings.  Always carry formal photographic identification with you.  Detentions do occur, particularly of people of Tamil ethnicity.  If you are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission. In some previous elections a curfew has been around elections. You should follow local news closely in case a curfew or other restrictions are announced.

As stated in the Summary, the conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in May 2009.  

Travellers should note that the end of the military conflict has seen an upsurge of nationalism in Sri Lanka. As a result, anti-Western (particularly anti-British) rhetoric has increased. This has led to violent protests against the British High Commission and other diplomatic premises. Although no protests have so far been directed at the British community more generally, you should be vigilant and avoid demonstrations.

There have been a number of country-wide “hartals” (widely enforced general strikes) as well as enforced curfews in the north and east. You should also avoid military bases and buildings, which have been the most frequent target of attacks.  You should follow local news and maintain a high state of vigilance during such events.

Foreign nationals have been detained by the police after taking photographs of buildings or vehicles used by VIPs.  These include numerous sites in central Colombo.  Use of video and/or photography is prohibited near military bases and government buildings.

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to the northern districts of Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu, Mannar and Vavuniya.  For the purposes of this Travel Advice, this means no travel north of the boundary line from Mullikkulam on the north west coast to Kokkilai on the north east coast.   Although the conflict is over, extensive military operations are still ongoing, clearing minefields, unexploded ordnance and locating LTTE weapon caches (hides).  The security forces are also involved in the resettlement of internally displaced personnel (IDPs).    Travel to Jaffna District is possible but only by approved means.  Currently, this is on government controlled buses travelling up the A9 road or by air.  All foreign nationals are required to seek prior approval from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence before attempting to travel to Jaffna.  Please contact the Military Liaison Officer on +94 11 2430 860 for more information.

Military led demining, weapons and ordnance clearance and IDP resettlement operations are also ongoing in parts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara Districts.  Always obey orders from the security forces and signs warning about the danger from land-mines.  Do not venture from the roads or cleared footpaths and if in any doubt, contact the local security authorities for local advice.
 
Only “Block One” of Yala National Park (also known as Ruhuna National Park) is accessible to the public.  If you plan to visit the park, you should use a reputable tour company.

Road Travel

Many roads, particularly outside the major towns are in a serious state of disrepair which prevents being able to travel at speed or comfort.  But there is considerable investment in the redevelopment of the road infrastructure throughout Sri Lanka.  You need an international driving licence and a Sri Lankan recognition permit to drive in Sri Lanka.  You can obtain a recognition permit at the AA in Colombo.   A British licence or an international licence alone will not suffice. Erratic driving is common and as a result, road accidents are frequent. Pedestrians, animals, and a range of moving objects often appear in the road without warning. Vehicles do not stop at pedestrian crossings. Always wear a seatbelt. Be particularly careful when overtaking and when overtaking vehicles are coming towards you. If you drive, make sure you are comprehensively insured. Driving at night outside Colombo and driving by motorbike are particularly hazardous. If you have a collision, stay at the site of the accident with your vehicle as long as it is safe to do so. If it is not safe or if you feel threatened, report to the local police station.

Security checkpoints and roadblocks are common throughout Sri Lanka. Pay attention when passing through them, and always obey the instructions of the police/army on duty. In particular, stop if asked to do so. There have been cases where security forces have opened fire on vehicles that do not stop when asked.  Roads around Government and military sites in Colombo are regularly closed for security reasons (e.g. for VIP convoys), so you should allow extra time for your journey if passing through these areas

Buses are notorious for driving fast and rarely giving way. They are often poorly maintained. A number of serious bus accidents have been reported over recent months. See also the Terrorism section of this advice for information on fatal terrorist attacks on public transport.

Taxis and hire cars are inexpensive in Colombo and tourist areas. Motorised rickshaws (tuk-tuks) are readily available for hire in towns and villages. Agree a price before you travel. Most drivers are reliable, although there have been reports of harassment, particularly of lone female travellers at night. You should exercise caution and change to a different rickshaw if you have any concerns about the driver or standard of driving.

For further information see our Driving Abroad page.

Rail Travel

There have been a number of terrorist attacks against trains over recent years. There have also been a number of derailments affecting both tourist and commuter trains.

Sea Travel

Few tourists arrive in Sri Lanka by sea.  Entry into Sri Lankan waters, at any point, requires prior permission.  

The coastline and adjacent territorial sea of the Trincomalee, Mullaittivu, Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mannar administrative districts in the north and east have been declared restricted zones by the Sri Lankan authorities and should be avoided. 

For more general information see our River and Sea Safety page.

Local laws and customs

You are subject to local laws in Sri Lanka and violating them may result in a jail sentence.

There are severe penalties for all drug offences and crimes related to the abuse of children.   In some circumstances detainees can be held without charge, indefinitely and convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences.

Same-sex relations are illegal.

Nude or topless sunbathing is generally not allowed.

Although Sri Lankan attitudes to informal European styles of dress are generally relaxed, women travelling alone, especially after dark, may be made to feel uncomfortable if not dressed modestly.  You should consider religious and other sensibilities.  Do not enter a Buddhist temple wearing headgear or with bare legs or shoulders and always remove footwear.  You should avoid posing for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha.

You can be fined if you ignore instructions not to smoke or drink in certain public areas.

Security checkpoints are common. You must carry a form of official photographic identification on you at all times.

Alcohol and meat are not usually for sale on religious holidays.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your Trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas

Visas are required for trips to Sri Lanka. British Nationals receive a 30-day visit visa, free of charge, on arrival. All other visas, including for those undertaking voluntary activity and paid or unpaid work, should be obtained at a Sri Lankan High Commission or Embassy before you travel. You should contact your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic representation for full details.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay.

Health

Emergency medical treatment in Sri Lanka is not easily available outside main cities, and you may have to be brought to Colombo for treatment. Medical facilities are not always of a standard expected in the UK, particularly outside Colombo. Treatment in private hospitals can be expensive and the options for repatriation to the UK or neighbouring countries in an emergency are limited and very expensive.

Various mosquito borne diseases, such as Dengue fever, Chikungunya and Malaria are common to Sri Lanka.  The number of cases of dengue fever in particular has risen sharply so far this year. You are also advised to avoid stray animals, as rabies is also prevalent.  There was a confirmed outbreak of Leptospirosis (rat fever) in 2008.

In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 5,000 adults aged 15 or over in Sri Lanka were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at less than 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.  For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

For more general health information see our Travel Health page.

Natural disasters

Monsoon rains can cause brief but swift flooding in may places in Sri Lanka . These floods have caused widespread displacement of people, injuries and occasionally deaths.  You should seek advice about travelling conditions during the monsoons.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Consular Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

ID

You must be able to show some form of official identification if requested by the security or police authorities.  

Sea bathing

There are dangerous undercurrents and strong riptides in many coastal areas of Sri Lanka. A number of cases of drowning of foreign nationals have occurred in recent months.  You should follow local advice, e.g. from your hotel, before bathing in the sea.

Money

You cannot change Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes in Sri Lanka.  Most major banks will change US dollar travellers’ cheques as well as allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals.  There are (ATMs) in major cities but some do not accept international cards.  (See also information above about credit card fraud.)